'We know his wishes' - Arsenal handed boost in bid to land Mikel Merino as Real Sociedad offer fresh update on potential £30m transfer

Arsenal have been pursuing a deal to sign Merino throughout the summer, and are reportedly in advanced talks with Real Sociedad as they bid to buy a new midfielder. Now, La Real president Jokin Aperribay has confirmed that the Spanish club will let Merino go, provided the offer meets their conditions.

Merino would reportedly cost around £30m ($39m), and he is already said to have agreed to personal terms with the Gunners. Now, the two clubs need to find an agreement if the Spain international - who was part of La Roja's Euro 2024-winning squad - is to move to north London.

Aperribay said, per Fabrizio Romano: “We will talk to Arsenal and defend the interests of Real Sociedad. When we consider that the offer is good, we will say yes.

“We know what Merino's wishes are, so we decided not to call him up [for Real Sociedad's La Liga opener]”.

Given Aperribay's comments, one has to think that the deal for Merino is edging ever closer to an exit. Arsenal will hope to secure his signature before they play Aston Villa on Saturday.